Grateful Patrons Swamp Re-Opened New Orleans Uptown Coffee Shops

For the past month, I've driven past my favorite coffee shop at least twice a week hoping that it would re-open. In Post-Katrina New Orleans, you just never know. Old businesses return, slouching toward normalcy, on a fairly regular basis. In fact, new businesses, including new coffee shops, have emerged in the wake of this chaos. But some of our old faithfuls remain shuttered.

Although I've never been to Seattle, the stereotypical Mecca for all things caffeine, I can't imagine that Before-Katrina (BK) New Orleans couldn't have given that city a sweaty-run for her money when it comes to quality local coffee shops. Yes, we have our Starbucks and our local chains, but in Post-Katrina (PK) New Orleans, the slate has been wiped clean.

Today I made the usual drive up Oak Street, several miles out of my way to check on Z'Otz. And today I found the door open, plants settled on their planters outside. Glory be, I thought, as I rounded the corner. The last hold-out from my BK routine is showing signs of life.

I poked my head in-the place was a mess, but smelled like lilacs compared to the other long-shuttered places I've ventured into this past month-and was greeted by the smiling face of one of the owners. "Hi!" I said. "I've been waiting for you."

We exchanged basic niceties. He told me that they hoped to reopen that night, as long as somebody or other could come by and replace the filters on their coffee machines. I asked if they would be open tomorrow. They assured me they would and sent me on my way.

A half of a block away, I stopped and turned around. "Hey," I said to the bald owner, "Do you need help?"

He started to tell me that he wasn't sure where his employees were, and I interrupted him and said, "No, no. I mean NOW. Do you need help NOW? I have an hour to spare…"

He stuck a broom in my hand, and so I did my own teeny tiny part to help one of my favorite small businesses get back on its feet.